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HD 3023

An Act relative to firefighting water supplies and a state cistern program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kate Hogan

Massachusetts establishes a state cistern program to improve firefighting water supply access, prioritizing rural or underserved communities with inadequate hydrant infrastructure.

Referred to the committee on Financial Services
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 3023

Legislative bill overview

HD 3023 establishes a state cistern program to improve firefighting water supplies in Massachusetts, likely through subsidies or infrastructure support for installing water storage systems. The bill authorizes the state to help communities, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, develop reliable water reserves for fire suppression purposes.

Why is this important

Inadequate water supplies hamper firefighting effectiveness, especially in rural communities where hydrant density is low or water infrastructure is limited. This program addresses a critical public safety gap by ensuring firefighters have sufficient water access during emergencies, potentially reducing property damage and saving lives.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: The bill's fiscal impact is unclear—establishing and maintaining cisterns statewide requires significant state investment that must be allocated from existing budgets or new revenue
  • Municipal burden: Questions remain about whether communities must contribute matching funds or maintenance costs, affecting smaller towns' ability to participate
  • Program scope and standards: The bill's specifics on eligibility criteria, cistern specifications, placement authority, and maintenance responsibilities are unknown and could affect implementation equity across regions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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